WakefieldVillan

One I would keep, I think he has looked ok when playing for us and is still young enough to improve. Can cover anywhere along the back line which is a bonus. However that said, I wouldn't rule out him going out on loan if our summer transfer dealings leave us with plenty of strength/depth.

Definitely, he's got great ability, can dribble, pass, shoot and would improve our starting eleven no end, add the Villa connection and I think he would be a perfect signing. But you're right, at the right price.

Whilst I agree with you that we should be looking at players from abroad and finding our own "Modric", my knowledge of the European league is non-existent to be honest, except for the household names. I think there may be others who are the same. Hopefully you are right though and our scouting network is much superior to times gone by and we find a few hidden gems that can grow with us over a period of time. I am interested to know though, if we were to purchase the likes of Lolley, Bowen, Phillips, Maupay ETC (and not be ripped off), would you be happy with any of these players or are they a definite no go for you?

Tavernier is a good shout as is Kent from Rangers (for the right price), thing is with scottish football it's hard to assess the quality of the player due to the standard of football, though we certainly struck gold with McGinniesta Whilst you're right with Phillips, I think having someone in our side that is a bit on the edge would add some steal to our team and help us to mix it up when we need to.

Mentioned Phillips a while back. He would be a fantastic signing IMO. Strong in the tackle, athletic, quick, decent passer, can play central defence or sat in front (his best position), young, hungry, played under Bielsa where I am sure he has learned a lot - He's got a lot going for him. I would envisage 12-14 million maybe?! Total guess. Bielsa signing a year long extension maybe the main stumbling block.

Well, Bielsa signed for another season, my (in the know) contact certainly wasn't in the know - Big boost for them and I think next year may finally be "their year".

Think this guy needs a mention. Obviously we don't know what goes on day to day in training. But this guy seems highly thought of among the staff and players and he looks to have had a real positive effect on Jed Steer. Finally look to have a good manager (head coach) and backroom staff, positive stuff.

Steady player all round, played well yesterday and provided a superb delivery for the opener, I have not seen anything of Guilbert but I do hope however he is going to be an improvement on Elmo and make the right back slot his own. Elmo for me would offer more than Adomah at RM so would definitely keep him next season as a squad player.

Echo most people's appraisals of him. Yesterday he was very good, certainly seemed to have toughened up during the run-in. I actually think the turning point was the Klich goal at Elland Road, since then he has had fire in his belly. Broke up play well, played a huge part in our first goal and along with McGinn and El Ghazi our best performers on the day.

Sums the majority of their fan base to be honest. They were happy enough singing songs to him after they beat them three times then when it all backfired and he gave them it back, suddenly he's the bad guy. I think most neutrals like Frank, I certainly do, and almost felt sorry for him yesterday (almost ), hope he stays at Derby and guides them to promotion (preferably at the expense of Leeds).

So sorry to hear about your dad mate, I hope that you get through it the best you can, not going to lie, it is a very painful experience, but please treasure every moment you have with your old man. I lost my mum last year and I know what you and our gaffer is going through. It really got to me too when he spoke about him and puts everything into perspective. Doesn't stop us loving our football or our football club and days like yesterday will be with us for the rest of our lives. Thank you Dean, you have been a breath of fresh air, hope we all show patience next season with him, it will be even tougher but we are in the right hands for sure.

I think key is signing up the loan players you've mentioned, there is a great team spirit and bond right now, understandably. I dont think we need wholesale changes but just a few additions that will strengthen the starting eleven. I hope we can keep Tammy, he needs to improve his all round game for sure, but he looks like a really good character to have around the dressing room. If we improve in the full back positions and on the flanks we will be just fine. I'm not a scout but hopefully our network can find our own Maupay (for example), we need to be clever in the market (for a change)!

I must admit I am a little concerned by McGinn's comments. I presumed it was pretty much - Promoted = he stays (at least a season)! No promotion = thanks for the memories! Still, would be amazed if he left now.

Same here. Switched off at 2-1 no bottle. Put 100 quid on Derby promoted at HT. You can all thank me Not a great performance by all means, but who gives a f%*# ! ASTON VILLA FC ARE BACK WHERE WE BELONG !

Derby have definitely gone with a more conservative line up than the one at Elland Rd, unsurprisingly. Our line up looks more attacking, with Hourihane instead of Whelan. Shame Davis isn't on the bench. Here we go, absolutely sh1tting it

No Keinan Davis in squad?

I can see an argument for either player starting but I think Smith will go with Whelan. I think we are just about a better balanced team when he plays rather than Conor. Tough, tough call though. I would however play Kodjia instead of Adomah/Green; I think if Whelan is playing we have that extra security for any of his defensive shortcomings but more going forward.

Just watched his pre-match press conference and must say I feel a lot more relaxed about the match than I did. He come across so calming when he speaks and I feel confident that he and the players will all have the right mindset on Monday afternoon.

That's why I put the sarcastic (I know, I know), I'm no fan of either

Talk Sport (I know, I know) did a quick 5-a-side team selection this morning from Villa and Derby players and both Big Sam & Ally McCoist picked 4 out 5 Villa players, I think that in itself shows why we are favourites. Moving on from that, if I was to pick a starting eleven consisting of players from both clubs (yes, I am extremely bored) I would go; Steer (Don't know enough about Roos, but can't be any worse than Carson) Elmo/Bogle Tuanzebe Mings Malone Wilson/El Ghazi McGinn Grealish Mount Lawrence Abraham Not sure what this tells me, and is of course open to opinion, other than we have a strong spine to our team and if those 6 perform to a high standard we should be ok. Is it Monday yet?

I had this too. Going to keep trying but I think the chances of me going are about 0.0000001% *awaits the "so you're telling me there's a chance* gif/pic. In the very unlikely chance I did drop on one, what's the other chance of it arriving in time? IE do you need to physically have the actual ticket on you or will some kind of proof suffice?

Voted. All cracking goals but in order of preference; 1. McGinn. 2. Grealish 3. Reach (Volley) 4. Forestieri. 5. Reach.

Apologies if I have missed it somewhere, but has a date been set for the unveiling/revealing of the new kits?

F*** me, this week is dragging soooooooooo much! Is it just me or is anyone else wishing we were playing Leeds now and going in as underdogs? Probably just nerves, just pray to God we turn up and do ourselves justice!

Quite early for team selections, but bored at work and can only think about this game, so here goes; Smith's selection (IMO) (4-3-3/4-5-1) - Steer, Elmo, Tuanzebe, Mings, Taylor, Adomah, Whelan, McGinn, Grealish, El Ghazi, Abraham. Subs; Kalinic, Hause, Jedinak, Green, Hourihane, Kodjia, Davis. My selection (this is why I am not a manager ) (4-1-3-2) - Steer, Elmo, Tuanzebe, Mings, Hause, Whelan, McGinn, Grealish, Hourihane, Abraham, Kodjia. Subs; Kalinic, Taylor, Jedinak, Lansbury, El Ghazi, Green, Davis.